Montessori School of Lake Forest

I am a former teacher and founder of an accredited school - so a very tough customer. I actually had tears of joy when I first visited here for my toddler. A calm toddler classroom? It was in my school and it is here which you don't see often. She had been in 2 "schools" previously which turned out to be daycare at best. I say this as a teacher, my child has been an incredibly fast learner and aware of everything from the beginning. Not even 3, she is reading and doing activities many 5 yr. olds can't do. She has WONDERFUL teachers and LOVES going to school. The school is very community oriented. I won't move from the area until my daughter graduates from here (if she so chooses).
--Submitted by a parent

I am updating a previous review of mine. I disagree with someone's negative post and do not think this is a 1 star school - that is an overreaction. I believe it is well worth the investment. We have been part of the MSLF community for 5+ years now. When my son was 4 and doing addition and subtraction with ease and doing multiplication, division when he was 5. My children have great manners and self esteem because of their education here. Participation and donations were down after a new school director came on board. She has since left and there has been a great weight lifted off the school for everyone involved. The teachers are experienced and committed and make it worthwhile. I have toured other Montessori Schools around the country and this school is exceptional.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is 4 years old and has been at MOTL since she was 16 months and I have the highest praise for the school and the teachers. Our daugther's teacher and her assistant are creative and challenge the kids to be their best. They have several interactive events that involve the parents. They definately foster a love for learning and the setting is beautiful.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended MSLF since he was two years. I knew the day I toured the school that MSLF provided the learning environment I wanted him to experience growing up. Ten years later, he attends the Adolescent Program. As his grandmother says, his face lights up when he talks about his school. His teachers have inspired in him the 'love of learning' to which the school is committed.
--Submitted by a parent

My wife and I chose this beautiful Montessori school three years ago for its unique Adolescent Program on the recommendations of another highly-regarded area Montessori school we loved. It truly is a great 7th-9th year academic program combined with farmwork and 9th year trip to Rome to see Maria Montessori's first school; and the teachers have been outstanding (though we lost one of the best faculty there early last year). My wife also put our youngest daughter into the (Laurel Campus) Upper El program, but decided to transfer her back to her original school in Deerfield/Riverwoods area despite a long, difficult daily commute. The UE directresses were both excellent and clear about how to use the AMI European-based model and Kelli & I miss them both; but we felt it necessary to maintain space from the prior administration and Parent Board.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at MSLF who have been members of the community for six years. This is the second Montessori school they have attended. The teachers are extraordinary. Their commitment to the students and each other is commendable. The children have an environment ripe for learning. While the outdoor environment begs for exploration, indoors the children are carefully guided in programs uniquely tailored to their individual needs/desires. Children are respected for their abilities not performing for false praise. Stress is low. All the while, the test scores for both of our children are beyond peers at neighboring schools. We are fortunate to have found such a warm and embracing environment for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

This Montessori school leaves a lot to be desired. There is so much politics that affect its decision-making & sometimes, to the detriment of the children & their families. Would not recommend to most families concerned about getting a strong, positive, thoughtful Montessori program.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great, the method is great, the surroundings are beautiful, the staff is supportive and the other families there, generally have the same outlook, it is the love or learning that is important.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has faculty that are truly committed to the children they teach. My children have been taught by a woman who has been teaching at the school for nearly 30 years. Unfortunately the new school director is not perfect, but her flaws do not detract from the wondeful things that take place inside the classrooms each day. Both of my children were reading by age 4 and have a love of nature and of learning. The campus is located on a savannah and is pristine. This is definitely worth the investment.
--Submitted by a parent

Not worth the investment. Total focus on following the child. Poor academic development and consistency overall. Very sterile, lack luster environment and mode. Low parent participation and declining satisfaction and financial contributions. Poor parent-teacher communications. Beautiful school setting and landscape.
--Submitted by a parent